Intent

At Murdishaw West Primary School, we aim to provide a Science Curriculum that develops children’s sense of curiosity and wonder in the world around them whilst acquiring specific skills and knowledge to help them to think scientifically, to gain an understanding of science processes and also an understanding of the uses and implications of Science, today and for the future. We encourage children to ask questions, investigate and solve problems about a wide range of phenomena so they can become independent learners.

Through learning about biology, chemistry and physics we plan for children to have opportunities to learn knowledge and skills that will equip them for life so there are no limits to their ambitions. Specialist vocabulary for topics is taught and built up, and effective questioning to communicate ideas is encouraged. Concepts taught are reinforced by focusing on the key features of scientific enquiry, so that children learn to use a variety of approaches to answer relevant scientific questioning.

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Implementation

Murdishaw West Primary School use the PLAN documents from the Association for Science Education for Science. This provides full coverage of the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for each year group, ensuring progression of knowledge and understanding and working scientifically skills. Each year group builds upon learning from previous years, therefore developing a depth of understanding, challenge and progression of skills. This provides Teachers with the flexibility to access a range of resources and planning to promote exploration, questioning, prediction, planning, carrying out investigations, observation and conclusions.

Pre-assessments for each unit of work enable Teachers to assess what children already know, therefore building on prior knowledge and linking ideas together. Lessons are enquiry-based, encouraging children to become more active thinkers. Memorable knowledge, vocabulary and skills (‘Sticky Knowledge’) have been identified for each unit to provide progressive acquisition of knowledge which is displayed on science working walls and knowledge organisers. Teachers regularly refer to this knowledge and vocabulary so that it ‘sticks’ and enables children to apply this to their written and verbal communication.

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Impact

The impact of our curriculum design will result in a fun, engaging, high quality science education for all children, providing the foundations for understanding the world that they can take with them when they complete their primary education. Assessment of science is designed to monitor the progress for all children and takes many forms. Children are provided with regular opportunities for self and peer assessment, which is used to inform planning, preparation, differentiation and to address misconceptions in understanding. Teachers also make their own regular assessments through questioning, evidence, observations, etc which are used to address misconceptions and for further planning and support. End of unit assessments provide children with the opportunity to ‘reflect’ on their learning and acquisition of knowledge, vocabulary and skills.

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Science Year Group Overviews

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